top of page
Website Logos (2)_edited.png
Kofis program.HEIC

Open to Opportunity Program

The Open to Opportunity program helped rural communities reimagine greenspaces, communicating that spaces without buildings could provide other benefits that encourage economic development. The spaces examined included Free Union/Piney Woods, the Town of Marshville, the town of Vass, and the town of Lewiston-Woodville.

Community Placemaking and Development Webinar

Explore practical strategies and real-world examples for creating vibrant, welcoming communities through placemaking, tourism development, and destination enhancement.

Stories That Make "Place": Placemaking Through Design
Activating Stagnant Properties in Your Downtown District
Placekeeping: Strategies for Stewarding Community Spaces
Electrifying Your Community: EV Charging for Tourists & Locals
Attracting Sporting Events to Rural NC
Then and Now: Rosenwald Schools in the past and future of NC towns
Tourism-Works_CMYK_Brandmark-Color.jpg
EDA Logo.png
Walker-College-of-Business_RGB.png

Listen to our podcast

  • Screenshot 2025-10-06 at 10.56.25 AM
  • Screenshot 2025-10-06 at 10.56.41 AM
  • Spotify

Support for this program came from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to address the impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality, tourism, and outdoor recreation industries. The UPLIFT program was funded under award 04-79-07689 from Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce.

Explore Our Social Media

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Linkedin
bottom of page